High Point University provides students multiple opportunities to broaden their horizons and explore areas outside of the classroom through study abroad experiences. Students in the Power and Politics in D.C. course spent two weeks in the nation’s capital as part of HPU’s Global Experience program.

HPU’s Global Experience program offers short-term study abroad opportunities for HPU students to travel within the U.S. and internationally to learn about different cultures through real-world experiences. This year’s faculty-led study abroad trips supported nearly 150 students exploring and connecting with different people globally and in the United States throughout the month of May. Study abroad experiences included trips to London, Italy, Ecuador, Spain, Germany, France and the Netherlands.

In Washington, D.C., students met and built connections with political leaders while also visiting political landmarks, such as the Supreme Court, the U.S. Capitol, the Federal Election Commission, International Spy Museum and the National Portrait Gallery.

Students learned from several government officials, including U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Rep. Kathy Manning, a Democrat who represents High Point in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“My time in D.C. was the best experience I have had through HPU,” said Quinn Fletcher, a rising junior studying international business. “The people I met, advice I received, experiences I had and connections I made were incredible and have helped prepare me so much more for my future. I am so grateful I was given the opportunity to go to D.C. and expand my knowledge as well as my network. This experience made me excited and more prepared for my future, one that will now hopefully be in our nation’s capital.”

HPU alumni who work for executive branch leaders and the U.S. Supreme Court also connected with and mentored students during the trip.

“Our access to such exciting, high-level visits comes from a network of HPU alumni, friends and other professional contacts,” said Dr. Martin Kifer, chair and associate professor of political science. “We are teaching students that building and maintaining these professional networks can lead to meeting with well-known D.C. insiders, but also provide opportunities for internships, jobs and other important experiences.”